Anguilla Diving

[ScubaScott]

Can some of you travel savy divers offer some info on diving in Anguilla? This is my first trip to this island (leaving in 2 weeks), and although its more of a family vacation, I plan to dive daily....

Also, I'm having a hard time trying to find info on getting over to Saba for the day (especially $$$$), so if anyone has any semi-current info, it would be much appreciated....

SS

 

[Manuel Sam]

I recently booked my air from St. Maarten to Saba in December and it came out to $190 roundtrip. You can do this thru WINAIR's website (Google it).

If you plan to dive there, expect to pay about $100 for two tanks and plus some amount to the driver to take you back and forth from the airport (it depends on ho wmany others).

I've never taken the ferry across so can't help you there as far as cost, but you lose so much time just going back and forth, it can get rough, and you will miss out on the first dive of the day in Saba - which is usually on one of the deep pinnacles and are some of the better dives in the area.

 

[kpdivers]

Just came back from Anguilla and Saba. Expect shallow dives in Anguilla less the 65'. Good viz and lots of nice close in reefs around Shoal Bay. Some can be done just snorkeling as well. We dove with Shoal Bay and were so so...pretty rough on your equipment, can't bring anything on board with you aside form your dive equipment. No towels, save a dive kits...nothing. One of the divers had a free flowing octo and had to sit out the dive cause the dive shop didn't have another reg on board. I can understand if it was your own but this poor gent rented one and still had to sit out. Regarding Saba...SUPER! Winair is a tough airline and just started a new package limitation. 50lbs max. depending on agent; may get away with 60 as a diver. Carry on is limited to 8 lbs and anything over they'll make you check it...again depending on agent. Quick flight and had no problems with delays. We dove with SeaSaba and would highly recommend them. They were very professional and were thorough in they're briefings. Dove 4 dives and everyone was better then the previous. Only regret was lack of time spent there.

 

[ScubaScott]

Kp and Sam - thanks for your input.... After speaking with SeaSaba, its just doesn't fit in with our little time there - if we were going for two weeks, or if this was more dive oriented rather than family, I'd be headed for Saba.

I've booked with Doug Carty, who is supposed to be the man on the island for diving. When I get back I'll post some pics and some info, as its seems not many have visited this island....

Thanks
SS

 

[Rhone Man]

Never been, but I heard that there was a large custom-sunk dive wreck off Anguilla that was supposed to be a very nice dive. Someone can tell me if that is right or not.

http://www.anguilla-vacation.com/dive_sites.htm

 

[ScubaScott]

Rhone - I'll let you know... I'm hoping to hit all the wrecks they have there, as wrecks are what I live for up here.... I'll get some pics and write a little report when I get back....5 more sleeps!

SS